The module is divided into four blocks.
In Block 1, you’ll explore how wellbeing is understood and supported in policy and practice for children and young people aged 0–25. You’ll focus on evidence and knowledge-informed practice across areas such as children’s rights, conviviality, diversity, sustainable development and wellbeing, all within a social-ecological context. As you explore these foundational concepts, you’ll also develop the academic skills needed for Stage 2 study, building confidence and connecting ideas to your learning and career goals.
Block 2 focuses on relationships and their impact on wellbeing. You'll study diverse family structures, including the roles of parents, siblings, social carers, young carers, and early childhood services. The block highlights the influence of community and peer relationships and considers children’s agency within the cultural spaces and practices they navigate. You’ll explore how aspects of identity – including gender, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, disability, neurodivergence, and social class – influence children’s experiences and opportunities within these relational and cultural contexts.
Block 3 examines how risk-taking, safeguarding, and health can influence wellbeing. You’ll be introduced to a range of practice settings and practitioner roles and consider how shared responsibilities can be central to supporting wellbeing. The block also examines contemporary concerns such as disparities in physical and mental health, interactions with the looked-after care system, homelessness, and transitions between services.
Finally, in Block 4, you’ll explore different types of learning, both formal and informal, including peer-based, home-based, preschool, community, school-based, and impromptu approaches. You’ll examine how these varied learning contexts affect wellbeing and consider their complex social and cultural dynamics. The block concludes by examining how creative methods, co-production, and participation with young people can offer new insights for effective practice.
You'll develop a broad understanding of factors influencing children and young people’s wellbeing, learning to apply evidence-based approaches across different contexts. The module helps you build essential professional skills, including critical thinking, information literacy and effective communication with diverse audiences. These transferable skills will enhance your ability to work with children and young people while deepening your theoretical knowledge of wellbeing.
You will have a tutor who will help you with the study materials and mark and comment on your written work, and whom you can ask for advice and guidance. Your tutor will also support you with the independent study aspects of the module. Tuition will take place through tutorials and forums. Your tutor will also keep in contact by phone.
Contact us if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.
Course work includes:
The module uses a blend of printed and online material. You'll have access to a module website, which includes:
You can study this module on its own or use the credits you gain towards an Open University qualification.
KE207 is a compulsory module in our:
KE207 is an option module in our:
Supporting children and young people's wellbeing (KE207) starts once a year – in October.
This page describes the module that will start in October 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in 2032.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations, which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
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There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If your income is not more than £25,000 or you receive a qualifying benefit, you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after your module has started.
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If your personal income is £25,000 or less, or you’re on certain benefits, you could qualify for a grant and OU top-up funding to cover 100% of your course fees. Apply online at the same time as you register on your module.
For more information on how to apply, visit our Part-Time Fee Grants for students in Scotland page.
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Joint loan applications
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As additional affordability checks are required when processing joint loan applications, unfortunately, an instant decision cannot be given. On average, the processing time for a joint loan application is five working days from receipt of the required documentation.
Read more about Open University Student Budget Accounts (OUSBA).
Studying with The Open University can boost your employability. OU courses are recognised and respected by employers for their excellence and the commitment they take to complete. They also value the skills that students learn and can apply in the workplace.
Over 30,000 employers have used the OU to develop staff so far. If the module you’ve chosen is geared towards your job or developing your career, you could approach your employer to see if they will sponsor you by paying some or all of the fees.
You can pay part or all of your tuition fees upfront with a debit or credit card when you register for each module.
We accept American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Visa Electron.
We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may wish to pay part of your tuition fee with a debit card and pay the remainder in instalments through an Open University Student Budget Account (OUSBA).
We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may get support from your employer to pay part of your tuition fee and pay the remainder by credit or debit card.
For more information about combining payment options, contact an adviser.
Please note: your permanent address/domicile will affect your fee status and, therefore, the fees you are charged and any financial support available to you. The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2026. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
